“All the king’s suspicions,” Lachlan replied. “The king, Alex, Graham, and I met before this meeting, and the king told us all.”
“Then I’d say he is testing his nephew. Trying to bait him to see if he stumbles and reveals something.”
“Aye. I believe the same. I simply wanted ye to ken it before we went in. And ye should ken that Graham’s anger has nae abated in the slightest.”
Lachlan stiffened. “I did nae believe it would have yet.”
They entered the great hall as the king was speaking. Lachlan quickly scanned the room and noted the presence of his brothers, Alex, the king’s party, and all the council members except for Atholl. Lachlan touched Cameron’s shoulder. “Where is Atholl?” he whispered.
Cameron shrugged. “I dunnae.”
Lachlan frowned. The older man had seemed out of sorts lately, but before Lachlan could consider it further, the king offered his acknowledgment to him and Lachlan was forced to focus on the king.
The king’s gaze was hard as he spoke. “As I was saying, I will set out for the MacDonald holding at first light with my party, the MacLeod, and twenty of his finest warriors.”
Urgency underlaid the king’s tone and made Lachlan think he must have received word that led him to believe securing the MacDonald laird’s allegiance was even more immediately necessary than he had previously thought.
“Ye still have nae said what the business is and why the haste,” the steward said, his gaze probing the king.
David smiled easily, but it did not reach his eyes, which were cold and hard. “It’s personal business, Robert, and everything is pressing to a king. Ye ought to ken that seeing as ye played at being king while I was imprisoned in England.”
Lachlan felt the tension sweep through the room. The king had offered a challenge of sorts and was daring the steward to grasp it.
Robert’s nostrils flared even as he forced a smile. “I worked tirelessly to bring ye back to us.”
David smiled cynically. “Aye? And it only took ye eleven years and me having to agree to pay a great amount of money yearly to that swine Edward in order to obtain my release.”
The steward started to speak, but David cut him off. “Let us nae quarrel,” he said silkily. “I’ve quarreled enough with those who dunnae wish to accept that I rule Scotland by my command and nae anyone else’s. I dunnae wish to quarrel with myfaithfulmen.”
“Of course, nae, David. I’m yer biddable servant.”
The king chuckled at that, but it was a barbed sound that lacked any merriment. “I believe that is all for now. Let us all to bed.”
Lachlan frowned. Why would he have been called in here for that? As everyone started to rise to leave, David spoke again. “Ah, I’d have a minute with the MacLeods and the MacLean to discuss business of the Isles.”
Lachlan watched the steward’s face as wariness flashed in the man’s eyes. The steward was no fool. He understood that the king suspected him of plotting against him. Robert was first out of the room, and as he left, the king said, “Archibald, ye can stay.”
Archibald Douglas nodded as the other men from the king’s party departed. Once the doors were shut, David moved to the center of the room and hooked his hands behind his back while sweeping his gaze slowly over the room. “Ye all now ken my suspicions about my nephew.”
All the men nodded. “What none of ye ken except Archibald is that I suspect Archibald’s uncle, the Earl of Douglas, is embroiled in this now, as well. And the Campbells, as well as Jamie MacLeod. I dunnae ken who else yet, but my spies tell me that Jamie has raised an army and is likely to join in a rebellion against me and to try to take back Dunvegan Castle.” David’s face grew red, and his hands fisted at his sides. “We must ready for war. Ye all ken that this will divide the clans.”
Lachlan looked at Iain, wondering what his brother thought. Their clan’s peace with the MacDonald clan was precarious at best and had been helped by Iain marrying Marion, who was the MacDonald laird’s niece, but if Gowan would not swear fealty to David once more, that peace would disappear. The MacDonald would be a formidable enemy to have as they tried to cope with the steward, the Campbells, the Earl of Douglas, and whatever other great lords might be involved in the rebellion.
The king looked to Iain. “Make yer farewells tonight. We leave at first light as planned.”
As the king quit the room, Iain turned to Graham, Lachlan, and Cameron. “I’m going to collect Marion. I expect the two of ye,” Iain said in a stern tone to Lachlan and Graham, “nae to fight. The clan must come first.”
Lachlan nodded and noted that Graham, though his mouth curled in disgust, also nodded.
Iain nodded next, as if satisfied. “I will speak with all of ye on the morrow.”
“I’ll walk out with ye,” Cameron called, and without glancing back, he quit the hall with Iain and left Lachlan and Graham standing there in uncomfortable silence.
Lachlan wanted to tell Graham how sorry he was, but he knew his brother would not accept the apology.
As he tried to think of what to say, Graham spoke. “Do ye ken what Mother said to me after Lena died?” he demanded, staring at Lachlan with hostile eyes.
Lachlan’s brow furrowed. “Nay, I dunnae ken.”
